The diviners (2012) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

Sexual content in this book is minimal and generally fits the period context. There are brief mentions of speakeasy culture and some light flirting between characters like Evie O'Neill and Sam Lloyd, but the narrative avoids explicit sexual acts. A character mentions the allure of flappers and Ziegfeld girls, reflecting the shifting social mores of 1926. Romance remains secondary to the supernatural mystery plot, with no graphic content or sexual violence present in the text. Most physical contact is limited to…

The violence in this book is primarily psychological and macabre, fitting the 'serial killer' genre. Characters encounter gory crime scenes, and the supernatural antagonist 'Naughty John' commits ritualistic murders that are described with unsettling detail, including the removal of eyes and carving of symbols. Readers will find scenes involving corpses, occult symbols carved into skin, and intense, terrifying confrontations with malevolent spirits. The haunting of the 'Pickman's Folly' estate and the…

The dialogue reflects the 1920s setting, utilizing slang and mild profanity consistent with that era. While not overly pervasive, characters use terms like 'damn', 'hell', and 'bastard' regularly, and there is occasional use of derogatory language reflective of 1920s societal tensions, including period-typical slurs or dismissive remarks about immigrants and minorities. The tone is more sophisticated than standard middle-grade fare, leaning into the rougher edges of Prohibition-era New York. Much of the slang…

Substance use is frequent and contextually accurate for the 1920s setting of the novel. Characters are frequently shown visiting speakeasies like the Hotsy Totsy, consuming illegal gin, whiskey, and cocktails, and smoking cigarettes in social settings. Evie's uncle, Will, is often seen with a drink, and the youth culture of the era is depicted as centered around the rebellion of drinking despite Prohibition. This is portrayed as a standard part of the Jazz Age lifestyle rather than being glorified, though it is a…

The book explores mature themes including death, the occult, societal prejudice, and the burden of carrying a dangerous secret. It deals heavily with the psychological toll of investigating gruesome crimes and the fear of isolation for those who are 'different' due to their powers, particularly within the context of the American eugenics movement. The story also examines the tension between scientific rationalism and spiritualism in a post-WWI world. Characters grapple with personal trauma, such as Memphis…